Linus Finally Gives Up and Blocks Ads

Linus Decides to Block Ads

Linus says he has finally decided to start blocking ads after encountering websites where ads overwhelmed or obscured the content. He shows examples of persistent banners, pop-ups, and in-article ads that made pages difficult to read and navigate.

He plans to use tools such as Pi-hole and Brave, while continuing to pay for YouTube Premium because his family uses its bundled music service. He may also subscribe to sites he values. He points to The Verge as an example of a site whose ads still leave the content usable. His approach—and whether it will affect the company’s workplace policy—has not yet been settled.

Luke says he has blocked ads on his personal devices for a long time, while also paying for services and supporting sites or developers he uses. Both discuss malvertising as another reason to be wary of online ads.

Spyware Delivered Through Online Ads

The presenters describe a Citizen Lab investigation into a “zero-click” spyware campaign delivered through targeted online ads. According to the report, the campaign used ad-tech company Discover Tech’s real-time bidding system to identify target devices and deliver Candiru’s Devil’s Tongue spyware. Loading an ad could trigger the process without a click, but only devices on the attackers’ target list would receive the malicious code.

The spyware was found on at least 45 devices belonging to Al Jazeera journalists between 2024 and 2025. It could steal files, emails, and messages; log keystrokes; capture screenshots; and potentially access a device’s microphone and webcam. Microsoft has also reported that it could decrypt and steal Signal conversations.

Citizen Lab’s analysis of bidding records suggested the campaign reached ads across a vast number of sites and apps. Users at institutions including the Pentagon, NATO, and the European Commission may have been exposed. Investigators had confirmed infections only on Al Jazeera journalists’ devices and had not identified who commissioned the operation.

Google cut Discover Tech off from its ad exchanges, while several other industry organizations blocked or delisted the company.

Presenters and Contributors

• Presenters: Linus Sebastian, Luke Lafreniere
• Contributor: Dan (production/screenshots)